February 24, 2022
Does NZRL require players to be fully vaccinated?
For NZRL run and/or sanctioned events and competitions, players, staff, volunteers and spectators need to be fully vaccinated, yes.
Vaccines are necessary for these events and competitions to run under the Covid-19 Protection Framework.
Is NZRL mandating vaccinations for players under 12?
No. Players under 12 are treated as vaccinated. They are still counted toward the capacity limit of an event or gathering but do not contribute to the vaccination status of an event or gathering.
Do I need to be fully vaccinated to play any rugby league in New Zealand?
No. If you are unvaccinated, you can still partake in rugby league activity (e.g. 9s, training) subject to a 25 person gathering limit.
Multiple gatherings of up to 25 can take place (players and team management being one gathering and spectators a separate gathering); however, these must be defined by 2m spaces (2m) and must NOT mix.
Zones, districts, clubs and venues reserve the right to require proof of vaccination at any organised gathering or event within their respective regions.
What if there is only one person who is not vaccinated?
If someone is not vaccinated, the gathering they are involved in will need to abide by the 25 person gathering limit.
Do spectators need to be vaccinated?
For NZRL run and/or sanctioned events and competitions, yes. Vaccines are necessary for these events and competitions to run under the Covid-19 Protection Framework.
Can attendees use a negative Covid-19 test to attend an event or gathering where vaccine passes are required?
No. A negative test is not a substitute for vaccinations for events or gatherings. If there are unvaccinated people at your event or gathering, then you must follow the rules and limits for where vaccine passes are not used.
Can one-day or multi-day Tournaments take place at Red if everyone is vaccinated?
Vaccinated tournament days or weekends involving multiple matches can take place if the total number of players participating is no more than 100.
OR
Multiple gatherings of up to 100 are taking place, but they are defined by 2m spaces and do not mix. Each group of 100 needs to remain as is for the duration of the event.
If multiple matches against different opposition teams involve over 100 people mixing, this event should not go ahead.
Are staff included in the gathering limits?
No. Team staff, coaches, referees and event staff/volunteers at organised community sport gatherings are classed as workers and do not count towards gathering limits. However, they still contribute to the vaccination status of an event or gathering.
Can gatherings in defined spaces share the same entrances, toilets and changing facilities?
It is okay for multiple gatherings in defined spaces to use the same entrances and share toilets/changing facilities so long as the risks of intermingling groups is limited as far as possible.
Queuing or congregating should not take place in common areas. Masks should be worn in common areas or facilities accessed by gatherings (like shared toilets).
The Ministry of Health also recommends ensuring frequent cleaning of bathroom facilities and drinking fountains. Clubs could encourage members to bring water bottles filled from home and provide reminders about how to use drinking fountains most hygienically.
What if I have a vaccine exemption?
In the rare case a person meets the specified exemption criteria, the application is submitted to the temporary medical exemptions panel run by the Ministry of Health. If the application is granted, then a copy of the exemption will be provided in written or electronic form, noting the expiry date of the exemption, which is for up to six months.
If you’re given a temporary medical exemption, you will see a record of this in My Covid Record. When your pass is scanned at venues, your exemption status will not be disclosed to the business. You will be able to gain access like everyone else.
When is it mandatory to wear a face mask?
Unless you are eating, drinking or exercising, you need to wear a mask. Players and referees must wear face masks before and after a game, not during.
Is it okay if I just use a bandana or scarf or a towel as a face covering?
No. As of 11.59 pm, Thursday 3 February, in the Red setting, alternative face coverings such as bandannas, scarves and t-shirts are no longer allowed to be used instead of a face mask.
What if I have a mask exemption?
You will need to present your Mask Exemption Card or letter from your doctor prior to entering the grounds. We know some people have a disability or health condition where they may not be able to wear a face mask safely or comfortably.
Mask Exemption Cards are issued by the Disabled Persons Assembly NZ (DPA). While at the facility, please carry your Mask Exemption Card with you in case you are questioned by concerned members or staff.
What do we do if there’s a positive case at our gathering or event / it becomes a location of interest?
At Phase 3 (as of 25 February), close contacts no longer need to isolate and locations of interest will not be published.
Contact tracing will focus on identifying high risk contacts of cases. If someone at your gathering or event tests positive for COVID-19, they will be supported to notify people they may have spent time with while infectious.
Notified close contacts should monitor symptoms for 10 days. If anyone develops symptoms they need to get a test, and should isolate until they get their result.
What do I have to do if I test positive for Covid-19?
You are required to isolate for 10 days. You will be contacted by the Ministry of Health by text and directed to complete a Covid-19 Contact tracing form online. This will assist to target places of interest you went to or were at while infectious. You will be given instructions and will need to advise contacts so they can get tested. For example, if you were at training, you will need to notify your team management and club who will contact fellow players and parents. If you have the NZ COVID Tracer app this will assist in identifying and notifying.
If I test positive for Covid-19, what happens to my whānau or household?
If you live with whānau or have flatmates or people living at your address, they are household contacts. Household contacts must isolate for 10 days. They are required to get a Covid-19 test on day 3 and day 10 of isolation.
What if I am identified as a close contact of someone who is infected with Covid-19 but don’t live at the same address?
At Phase 3 (as of 25 February), close contacts no longer need to isolate. If you get a notification from your workplace, school or through the NZ COVID Tracer app that you are a Close Contact, you should monitor your symptoms for 10 days. If you develop symptoms get a test, and you should isolate until you get your result.
If you live with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you are considered a Household Contact and will need to isolate for 10 days. You must get a test on Day 3 and Day 10 of your isolation. If you develop symptoms you should get a test sooner. If you are a Household Contact and you test positive, you will need to isolate for 10 days.
Please note Government guidance is subject to change in response to the Omicron outbreak.
March 24, 2022
As of 11:59 pm this Friday, there will no longer be crowd restrictions at vaccinated outdoor rugby league events.
Those who hold a My Vaccine Pass (MVP) can attend this weekend’s National 20s, and Women’s Premiership matches at Trusts Stadium in Auckland.
MVPs will be checked at all NZRL events until April 4th to allow for unlimited gatherings.
From April 4th, vaccine passes will no longer be required; however, venues may still choose to use them in some cases.
It’s important to note masks are not mandatory for outdoor events but still encouraged, and there is no longer a need to scan in.
Indoor gatherings have increased to 200, but seated hospitality and face mask requirements remain for indoor settings.
Despite the ease in restrictions, we still encourage all in our rugby league communities to practise care in the community. Any person feeling unwell or presenting cold, flu, or COVID-19 symptoms should isolate immediately and get tested.
We thank all of our communities for their patience and co-operation; we look forward to seeing you back at the rugby league fields soon.
Up until April 4th, for NZRL run and/or sanctioned events and competitions, players, staff, volunteers and spectators need to be fully vaccinated, yes.
From April 4th vaccine passes are no longer required
Up until April 4th, for NZRL run and/or sanctioned events and competitions, yes. Vaccines are necessary for these events and competitions to run under the Covid-19 Protection Framework.
Are Australian vaccine passes acceptable proof of vaccination?
Overseas COVID-19 vaccination certificates and passes can’t be used as proof of vaccination within New Zealand. People in this situation need to apply to have their overseas vaccinations recognised in New Zealand by submitting evidence of them. You can find all the information here: https://www.health.govt.nz/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-vaccines/my-covid-record-proof-vaccination-status/covid-19-overseas-vaccinations-and-my-vaccine-pass#evidence
I am not able to be vaccinated due to a recent covid infection, can I still play in a tournament or competition where vaccine passes are checked?
It is recommended that you wait at least 4 weeks after you recover before getting the first or second dose. An application for exemption will need to made and provided the your local district our competition manager. You can find the information here on how to do that https://www.health.govt.nz/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-response-planning/covid-19-mandatory-vaccinations/covid-19-exemptions-mandatory-vaccination
From March 25 face masks outside are no longer mandatory but recommended. Face mask requirements remain for indoor settings.
Alternative face coverings such as bandannas, scarves and t-shirts are no longer allowed to be used instead of a face mask. From March 25 face masks outside are no longer mandatory but recommended. Face mask requirements remain for indoor settings.
You will need to present your Mask Exemption Card or letter from your doctor prior to entering the indoor premisis. We know some people have a disability or health condition where they may not be able to wear a face mask safely or comfortably.
Contact tracing will focus on identifying high-risk contacts of cases. If someone at your gathering or event tests positive for COVID-19, they will be supported to notify people they may have spent time with while infectious.
You are required to isolate for 7 days. You will be given instructions and will need to advise contacts so they can get tested. For example, if you were at training, you will need to notify your team management and club who will contact fellow players and parents. If you have the NZ COVID Tracer app this will assist in identifying and notifying.
If you live with whānau or have flatmates or people living at your address, they are household contacts. Household contacts must isolate for 7 days.
At Phase 3 (as of 25 February), close contacts no longer need to isolate. If you get a notification from your workplace, school or through the NZ COVID Tracer app that you are a Close Contact, you should monitor your symptoms for 7 days. If you develop symptoms get a test, and you should isolate until you get your result.
If you live with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you are considered a Household Contact and will need to isolate for 7 days. If you develop symptoms you should get a test sooner. If you are a Household Contact and you test positive, you will need to isolate for 10 days.
